Groundbreaking ceremony marks start of work on I-35E in Denton, Dallas counties that’s expected to save drivers time

HIGHLAND VILLAGE— After 15 years of planning and coordination to expand one of the state’s most congested highways, the Texas Department of Transportation today broke ground on the Interstate 35E (I-35E) corridor near Denton. TxDOT and its partner, AGL Constructors, broke ground at Copperas Branch Park in Highland Village. The Texas A&M Transportation Institute estimates the I-35E project will save motorists approximately 1.7 million hours in travel time per year.

“This project represents a true partnership, not only between AGL and TxDOT, but also between TxDOT and the cities and counties along this corridor,” said Phil Wilson, TxDOT executive director. “TxDOT is proud to deliver another public-private partnership project that will enhance safety and improve mobility for hundreds of thousands of motorists each day.”

Dubbed 35Express and located in one of the region’s fastest-growing areas, the 28-mile expansion will enlarge the interstate’s footprint from US 380 in Denton County to I-635 in Dallas County. Portions of the highway currently rank 33rd and 98th on TxDOT’s list of 100 most congested roadways. Up to 210,000 vehicles per day travel the highway.

The 35Express project runs through eight cities in Denton and Dallas counties, including Denton, Corinth, Lake Dallas, Hickory Creek, Highland Village, Lewisville, Carrollton and Farmers Branch. The $4.8 billion project is being constructed in two phases, the first of which will cost approximately $1.4 billion in federal, state and local dollars as well as toll fees collected from SH 121. The second phase will be constructed when funding becomes available.

“This is an exciting time for Denton county residents,” said Denton County Judge Mary Horn. “The I-35E expansion represents the beginning of the one project that links every major roadway in Denton County. Roadways like FM 1171, FM 2181, FM 407, FM 2499 are all being constructed, expanded and/or refurbished as a result of the incredible partnership we’ve had with our federal, state and regional partners. The I-35E project will not only improve mobility within the county, but also within the region as well.”

The first phase of construction is scheduled for later this month and includes the addition of north and southbound general purpose lanes, reversible managed lanes and the expansion, reconditioning or reconstruction of multiple bridges. Phase I construction is expected to be completed by early 2017. Highlights of the project include:

Construction of a new southbound bridge across Lake Lewisville and the addition of frontage roads and a shared path for pedestrians and cyclists

35Express construction is managed by AGL Constructors, a joint venture between Archer Western Contractors L.L.C., Granite Construction Incorporated and The Lane Construction Corporation.

For media inquiries on this project, contact Tony Hartzel, TxDOT strategic projects division public information officer, at (214) 317-0251. You also may contact AGL Public Information Coordinator Kimberly Sims at ksims@35express.org or (817) 773-5897. For more information on the 35Express Project, visit www.35Express.org, or call (214) 483-7777.

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The Texas Department of Transportation is responsible for maintaining 80,000 miles of road and for supporting aviation, rail, and public transportation across the state. Through collaboration and leadership, we deliver a safe, reliable, and integrated transportation system that enables the movement of people and goods. Find out more at TxDOT.gov. "Like" us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.